Phuket City Municipality has adorned key landmarks with red turtles – the symbol of the festival – at Suriyadet Roundabout (Fountain Roundabout) and near the Chartered Bank Intersection, creating colourful photo spots to welcome both local residents and visiting tourists.
The Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is held during the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is dedicated to Por Tor Kong, regarded as the King of the Hungry Ghosts, and centres around ancestor worship rituals.
Families prepare offerings of food, fruit and sweets, with the red turtle cake a central feature. The turtle, representing longevity, strength and good fortune, is given as an offering to bring blessings to families and their ancestors.
Running from today through to Sept 21, this year’s festival is being held at shrines and community venues across Phuket Town. The programme includes parades, ceremonies and cultural events aimed at preserving local traditions while boosting cultural tourism and stimulating the local economy.
The first event takes place today at the Phuket Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Rd at 5pm, followed by a ceremony at the Hok Nguan Kong Shrine at Surin Circle (Clocktower Roundabout) on Phuket Rd on Saturday (Sept 6).
Other highlights include:
* Sunday, Sept 7, 5pm: Chao Ong Shrine, Krabi Rd
* Monday, Sept 8, 12:30pm: Public Market 1, Ranong Road (parade from Dragon Square, Thalang Road, starting 11:30am)
* Wednesday, Sept 10, 5pm: Seng Tek Bei Kuan Im Tai Si Shrine (Por Tor Kong Bang Neow), Takua Thung Rd (parade from Dragon Square, 4:30pm)
* Thursday, Sept 11, 5pm: Phuket Thai Hua Museum (Kian Tek Po Chinese Association), Krabi Rd
* Friday, Sept 12, 1pm: Ao Kae Community, Takua Pa Rd
Events at Bang Neow Shrine, the largest Por Tor venue, will continue daily from Sept 10–21.
Phuket City Municipality has called on both locals and visitors to join the festivities, noting that the Por Tor Festival is not only a time to honour ancestors but also a showcase of Phuket’s cultural heritage and “soft power” that strengthens the island’s tourism industry.